Bad and deadly events happen and people are often surprised by them.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge would seem to be in that category.
Now, because people died unexpectedly, does that mean that those most affected by the fires were necessarily worse sinners than those less affected?
The biblical answer is no.
Notice the words of Jesus:45…He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:45)4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13:4-5)
But Jesus did prophesy wars, earthquakes, famines, and troubles:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8).
We continue to see troubles in many parts of the world.
Most people do not think that catastrophic events can happen to them.
But all need to be spiritually prepared.
Jesus taught paying attentions to world events and prophecy is important:34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)
Notice Jesus said to watch and pray ALWAYS. He was referring to prophetic matters, particularly those with deadly effects.
Apparently, these people who died on the bridge and those shocked by the event were not praying enough nor paying attention to world events in prophecy - as interpreted by the Great Bwana Bob Thiel.
Jesus realized that if people did not pay attention to prophecy and pray always, they would not properly take the steps to “be counted worthy to escape all these things.” Yes, God uses prophecy as a motivator for people. Remember that God used Jonah to warn Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-4) and they repented (Jonah 3:5-9), and they did not get the punishment they were going to get then (Jonah 3:10).
Jesus specifically told the Laodiceans, in a prophecy, that they needed to repent (Revelation 3:19) or face consequences (Revelation 3:14-19, and that they would be rewarded for doing so (Revelation 3:20). The Laodiceans are Church of God Christians “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17).
Do not be like those of Siloam or those on the Francis Scott Key Bridge who did not know and then perished.
Why does the Great Bwana Bob Mzungu always have to come off as a pile of condescending shit?